drcookie

Well, it is a sad day. My 2002 TL-S once again is joining the tranny death club. This is the 3rd (counting the original one) transmission on the Acura. The car currently has 240k mile and the last tranny was replaced under warranty at 60k. Wifey was driving on a freeway and suddenly the VSA , CEL and the "!" sign showed up. She exited the freeway, shut off the engine, restarted and only the CEL stayed on. The car shifted fine and she was able to drive home safely. I pulled the code and it was the infamous P0740.
The car still runs great and we bought it brand new. Now, I need to decide whether to spend the $$$ replacing the tranny or get another car (either used or new).
I will be calling my mechanic to get an estimate and start working on my budget budget again which is already tight.

Skirmich

Whatever you choose to do (Repair it or Be done with it) DONT REBUILD THE TRANS!


This is your best time to do the AV6 swap if you plan to keep her for good!

drcookie

Yeah ... thanks to this forum, I am definitely not getting the rebuild tranny. 06/07 AV6 swap would be the way to go if I decided to keep the car.

Decision, decision, decision ....

Shade Gaiven

Two hours after my initial post I get the car towed to a shop and get home. Stopped in to find out what the code was and they told me it was an incorrect gear ratio.

There's a brand new crate transmission sitting in a black box on the shop floor.

01tl4tl

is that one of acuras rebuilds in a plain black wrapper? the place that does them usually sells on ebay in a white box,,maybe its changed color

So this shop only knows how to look up codes, no idea about our actual problem?
Maybe not the place for the swap unless what they do is mod cars all the time!
or at least have changed a TL trans more than twice --- preferably not on the same car!!

blackedout85

Has anybody that changed out the pressure switches on the trans still suffered a failure after the fact?

01acls

FYI, attached are some possible solutions to the trans problems if anyone is interested and some interesting info.

bigjoe85

ok I've read most of the comments on here and I'm having similar issues with the slipping trans(I realize this is a precursor to it going out) The difference that my 03 TLS has is that it slips only when it's cold, after it warms up in bout 5 mins shifts fine again. Is this possibly a different issue than what the others are dealing with and are there any tips to fix(even if temporary) to keep from having to replace the trans at the moment

alaxgoaly8

Just bought an 03 TL with VIN in the 89000 range. 123k miles on it. Only paid $1700 for it. Transmission has the classic issues.

I've read that the pcm can fix the problem on other forums without replacing the tranny. Any truth to that or are the accord/odyssey/rebuild scenarios the only way to go?

Chojun

The tranny problems result in damage to the clutch packs. A PCM fix is in my opinion unlikely to correct any issue.

You might try replacing the fluid 3quart 3x drain & fill with Honda DW-1 and clean your solenoid filters and external transmission filter. And test your solenoids and pressure switches to rule out problems with them.

If your clutch pack blows up the whole thing + Torque Converter is going to be full of debris and no amount of software will filter that out

01acls

When/what gear is it slipping; up shift/down shift: fares/sudders?

Check fluild level trans cable adjustment?

Do a 3x3 and trans filter change if ATF is more than 35k.

01acls

Thats kinda unusual but not unheard of. I suppose it can if you have a bad pcm.

Reset the pcm by pulling the clock radio fuse for more than 10 seconds.

Check all the solenoid connectors under the hood.

Which classic symptoms?

alaxgoaly8

Transmission slips between 2&3 and 3&4. Thought I heard a grinding noise. Previous owner says she never had issues with it, but I don't put much stock in it.

Taking it to an independent Acura/Honda shop that used to take care of my 06 RL before I sold it. I'm sure they'll figure it out. One of the best shops I've ever been to.

01acls

^ You should do the atf 3x3 and trans filter change if atf is more than 35k.

You can try changin the following Solenoids.

1.Shift C.

2. Pressure A/B. Check the screen at the bottom of 3 pipes, replace the 3 O-rings and gasket.

3. 3rd and 4th gear switches.

If that does not fix it then it's internal.

.02

alaxgoaly8

I appreciate the help. I'll let you know what happens.

alaxgoaly8

Mechanic came back and said the tranny needs to be rebuilt/replaced. He said the fluid is burnt. Quoted $3500 to fix it. They're honest guys from my past experiences, so I've got no reason to believe they're just trying to make a buck off me.

01acls

Personally I would do the 3x3 n filter change and go from there. However, i don't know exactly how bad it's slipping.

alaxgoaly8

I decided to do the 06 AV6 swap. Found a used tranny for $720 delivered to my guys shop. He's quoting me $800-$1000 to put it in (inclusive of odd parts and fluids).

So with any luck, I'll have paid $1500-$1700 for a fixed tranny. That's not bad in my book. Plus my mechanic usually overquotes stuff. So I might be in it a little less.

I'll report back on how it goes. I read the other thread about the swap with the extremely detailed instructions. When I showed my mechanic he wanted to try it (he's a Honda/Acura specialist). Said he gets these blown tranny's a lot and would love it if this worked so others could do the same.

Bottom line, don't be afraid to ask your mechanic to do this if you're willing to pay for it. I went from a $3500 quote to $1800 max by going this route. The instructions on acurazine are amazingly detailed on how to do this.

With that said, I just jinxed it and my swap won't work. Lol.

MarcDavidoff

^ sounds good on doing the swap. Where abouts is your mechanic in MD? Let us know how it turns out.

alaxgoaly8

Pasadena, MD off Rt. 2 North.

alaxgoaly8

PS, I'm not sure if his price to install was a one off for me because he's worked on previous cars for me or because that's what he charges.

alaxgoaly8

Tranny swap is done. Seems to have gone smooth. The car drives great. Now it's time to sell it. Thanks for all the help!

shiznut123

I'm at 180k miles on original tranny - Redline racing atf at ~65% since 80k miles. I did a drain and refill at 165k miles and no crude on the magnetic drain plug. I hope it lasts another 50k miles.

Jon Weber

I've been reading through the threads on the P750 code. The issue I have is similar, but not identical. Wondered if someone might shed some light.

I am the original owner, 230K. Replaced one original tranny under warranty. Had that one rebuilt about a year or so ago. It's been working beautifully until a few weeks ago when it started shifting hard into 2nd. After just a few miles, it was fine. This always happens until it gets warm. One day, it shifted VERY hard and then the TCS and Check Engine light came on. Then I got a flashing D5. The car stayed in 3rd or 4th. It doesn't slip. Just can't change into any other gear. I pulled the code with my reader - 1750. When I erase the code, all the lights go out and my car shifts just fine. Electrical or mechanical?

I just finished the first of my 3x3 flush. That is after I pulled both solenoids and cleaned the screens. I really don't want to give up on this car and need to get through the next year with it.

Any further ideas? What a shame that Acura made such an incredible car with such a crappy transmission. Thank you. jw

01acls

jw,

1750 is a hydraulic problem.

100% atf/torque converter. See this link below.

https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...ission-943471/

If that doesn't help then time to change Solenoids.

Jon Weber

Thanks so much for the Info! I may go straight for the solenoids. Any chance it could solenoid switches? I'll bet it throw a different code if it were. Right?

01acls

Before you change the solenoid Pressure A/B make sure there is not another DTC in the OBDII that's a non trans code. If there is then correct/clear that first and then recheck for the 1750.

If there's not another code then the appropriate action is to replace the Pressure Solenoid A/B along with the 3 o-rings and a new gasket. Once replaced reset the computer by pulling the clock fuse for 30 seconds.

Here's the thing, if its a mechanical/hydraulic problem then you need to have clean ATF to start from bc everything works off of the ATF.

dpw-ct

2000 TL 149k Transmission, fluid not changed ever, slow transmission fluid leak, slipping frequently, hoping to sell the car soon - wondering if I do the 3x drain and fill, change filter, and cleaning solenoids will this fix the problem for at least 6 mos or 5,000 miles. What is the probability 10% .. 50%.. 80%..

thanks

mansumi

Yes, that is a sad subject line. I had this '03 Acura TL-S shipped across country from my in-laws. It is 13 years old and only has 47k miles on it...for real. It spent most of its time in their garage. Two days after it is delivered, the check engine light comes on, I take it to my mechanic, and he tells me I am going to need to replace the tranny. He tells me all about what I've read about on this forum and others. This was such a fun car to drive.

The tranny and other maintenance will run just under $5k. I'm guessing that Acura isn't going to help me out here. Somebody tell me I'm wrong. Very disappointed.

On a related note, my neighbor told me he had the same problem with his. He rolled the dice, bought a used Honda tranny from a junk yard and it lasted him many more miles. I'm not that much of a betting man. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears. Sinking $5k into a 13 year old car just doesn't seem to make sense to me.

steve807

I went through 7 or 8 transmissions in the two years I owned my 2001. You know what I would do if I were you. No matter how painful, it is junkyard time.
That's where most of them are based on how many I've seen driving or parked in the past few years.

musiclevelz5

How do you go through so many without realizing what your doing isnt working? I have words for that but thats not for this thread.

If you would have swapped an AV6 in the very first time you would have done it once. And there is no excuse since the AV6 has been done by thousands of people since the transmission problem was known and the 06 Accord had come out.

Also you can get a good used AV6 transmission for around a grand and do it yourself in two days. So 5000 is excessive unless you are wanting to blow some extra cash you dont need.

steve807

ACURA was replacing them under warranty as fast as they failed. Well, it did take a week at a time and a tow... I finally had enough. Acura was not taking advice from customers as to the proper repair. And my vision into the future (2006) was not working very well before I unloaded it in 2004.

Oh, this was all in the first three years of ownership. The dealer told me they had one die on the way out of the showroom.

After the first couple replacements, I rushed out and bought a $1,200 extended warranty - turned out Acura bumped up the factory warranty so that was wasted insurance.

I really liked the car when it was working and have had two more Acura's since.

Seriously, how many 2001's have you seen in the wild in the past few years ? I saw one in the past two years.

Jon Weber

3x3 hasn't helped. No codes, but I have to baby it....until it gets warmed up...to keep it from sifting really hard into 3rd. That's when the dash lights up like a Christmas tree. When it gets warmed up....it shifts like butter. Going for a new A/B solenoid. Anyone have any experience with these guys on eBay?

Transmission Dual Linear Shift Solenoid Witt Gasket 1998 Honda Acura | eBay

Tom Blasing

My 03' TL-S just got bitten by the trans-bug last week. Only 67k miles and babied to death.

Had it towed to the same dealer I bought it from when it was new ($135) where it took a couple days for them to get to it (towed in on a Friday). Got a call on Wednesday last week that the trans is fried. I sent in a reimbursement form to see if they'll pay for the towing. The fluid was changed in 2012 @52k by and Acura dealer and the oil jet kit was installed long before that.

Now the big question was who was going to pay for it. So I bit my tongue for a few days. Then I got the call saying that it was all covered (yes....a 13-year old car!). So they're ordering in a new trans and gave me a loaner (2016 TLX V6 with the Advance Package) till it's done.

My car is in such well cared-for shape that the service writer has offered to buy it from me twice.

Curious3GTL

Wow, that's really amazing. Do you have a close relationship with your dealer?

How do you like the TLX?

Tom Blasing

That's the funny part, I really don't. They only saw me to get the timing belt done the same time as the trans flush in 2012. Other than that, the closest they came to seeing me was to get frivolous parts. They called the area service rep and after a few calls between those two a few times they decided to cover it. I'm thinking it might be because it's kept soooo clean. Shoot, the service writer wanted to buy it.

The TLX is a different animal all together. It tries to be all cars to all people. The Advance Tech package will have you playing with the toys more than watching the road. 9-speeds is tooooo many and the computer(s) have a strong tendency to over-nanny the whole experience. For instance, there are 4 driving modes. Eco (laughable), Normal (still not enough), Sport (closest thing to a TL Premium) and Sport+ (bat-crap crazy). Not to mention there is no road-feel with the crappy Bridgestone H-rated tires it came with (yes, it's limited to 129mph).

I will say this, if I was in a situation where I was drag racing a V6 TLX, I'd most likey win with my less powered TL-S. Here's why. Assuming the TLX driver is in Normal or Sport mode, if you mash the gas pedal the ECU decides WHEN it gives you the power. And that not for a good 2-3 seconds. You have to reach down to the center console and push a button to go through a menu on the dash to go into Sport+ mode. THEN you can race someone. In Eco mode you have to put the pedal to the floor to only feel a Briggs and Stratton engine get some revs up. In Sport+ mode you have to use the paddle shifters and how you would expect the car to react while down-shifting....it doesn't. The Car feels like it goes into neutral, sends the revs way up to 5-6 grand and very slowly matches the transmission speed and gently slows the car down. Annoying as he'll because by that time you're on the brakes wondering what the hell happened. I can think of a better use of 290hp.

But the seats are comfy, side and rear window visibility is poor, steering effort is altered depending on driving mode selected. The cabin is Buick quiet. Headlights are nice but I would adjust them up a bit. This car had the adaptive cruise control and stops the car to keep you from hitting something in front of you (I didn't try either one). The back-up camera is required and moves the grid lines left and right pending on where the steering wheel is turned. It let's you know if you can back out of a parking space or driveway on the narrow streets to see if you'll clear the parked cars.

But, would I spend $45,000 on a TLX?......no. What they need to do is get back to the TL-S roots. Fewer gears and a lot less computer intervention is needed.

AlexanderTheOkay

I bought my 03 TL-S last August from my uncle for $1000. When I bought it the car had 243k miles and had the original transmission. It now has 261k miles and still has the original transmission. I've just recently been experiencing slight shudders between 2-3 gear. I'm going to try changing the ATF and see if that helps. Worst case scenario I have to replace the transmission in a few months. I've read through a ton of posts about rebuilding the stock transmission or replacing the transmission with an oddessy transmission or an 06/07 Accord transmission. Which option would be the best and most cost efficient option. I've seen a few used accord transmissions for like $400 as long as I can find a shop to swap it in central Ohio.

SuperGreg

Well I'm joining the club. Tranny failed @ 206K (blue bolt, RMK warranty replacement). Looking for an AV6. I see I can get a reman for around $1500, wondering if that is worth it? Everything on car-part.com without a ton of miles is close to $1000. How else are you guys searching for salvage yard trannies? Also, what about a reman TL transmission? Some of them specify they used upgraded parts to avoid problems with the original defects.

floored4door

iTrader: (1)

Is it possible that my tranny is going bad without ANY lights. It's has shifted hard, but it isn't slipping at all. I am having issues just getting the car to go. 1st and 2nd seem to be fine but when I push the gas it just boggs. The car seems to be struggling to pull air in as well.

MarcDavidoff

perhaps it is not your trans. Maybe your catalytic conv is clogged..just a guess